An Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH in 3-9-year-old Children Using Chewing Gums (Xylitol) and Lollipops (Xylitol + Erythritol).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the change in salivary pH using xylitol- and erythritol-containing lollipops and chewing gums, and assess the correlation between sugar substitutes and change in pH levels of saliva.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present crossover study was conducted in 60 children between 3 and 9 years of age from a private school who had not received any meal for 2 hours prior to examination. There were three groups in this study: group I, control group (rinsing with tap water); group II, experimental group (with sugar substitute lollipops); and group III, experimental group (with sugar substitute chewing gums). The saliva sample was collected at three different time intervals, and the pH of saliva was determined using a universal pH indicator.

RESULTS

There was a highly significant difference observed in the pre- and postsalivary pH in all three groups, with the maximum increase seen in the lollipop group and the least increase seen in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Lollipops can be used as a preventive measure in decreasing dental caries by preventing the salivary pH from falling below the critical level.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of sugar-substituted lollipops and chewing gums in raising pH levels was evaluated. This finding could be significant in supporting a shift from sucrose-based chocolates to sugar-substituted ones.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Latkar YS, Gunasekaran S, Arali V, . An Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH in 3-9-year-old Children Using Chewing Gums (Xylitol) and Lollipops (Xylitol + Erythritol). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(12):1352-1356.